Pierre Gasly still feels the sting of what he calls a "robbery" after losing his podium finish at the June Monaco Grand Prix, yet he managed to flip the script in spectacular fashion by securing pole position for the upcoming Italian Grand Prix at Monza. The Alpine driver’s pole came just one day after the FIA International Court of Appeal reinstated the pit‑lane speeding penalties that had been stripped from him earlier in the week.
This turn of events marks one of the most surprising outcomes in recent Formula 1 history, and, six years after his sole career victory, Gasly now has a chance to avenge what he perceives as an unjust decision on the streets of Monte‑Carlo. "I've been in Formula 1 for nine years, always trying to give my absolute best every weekend, and it’s not often that you get a car capable of fighting for pole," Gasly said after his record‑breaking lap.
"Today was one of those rare moments, and I’m incredibly happy and proud to have taken advantage of it. It was a fantastic lap." Gasly’s emotions have always run high both on and off the track, and the recent controversy only amplified his determination. After McLaren and Red Bull successfully appealed the Monaco result, the two five‑second penalties for speeding that had initially been removed were reinstated. In June, Alpine had won a right‑to‑review case that argued the penalties were based on an incorrect measurement of the pit‑lane distance, leading to their temporary removal.
Gasly told Canal+ that "we’re being robbed" and warned that "this isn’t over," while Alpine team principal Flavio Briatore questioned the impartiality of the FIA International Court of Appeal judges. The ICA defended its process, stating confidence in the integrity of its proceedings. The controversy seemed to light a fire under Gasly, who delivered one of the strongest qualifying laps of his nine‑year career.
He admitted the appeal saga was "not nice" but tried to channel the frustration into extra motivation. "I try to turn everything I can into something positive, extra motivation, but I think I could have done without it this weekend. That’s all I’ll say," he explained. Alpine managing director Steve Nielsen echoed the sentiment, telling Sky Sports F1: "When you think about the mood in the camp after Monaco – which honestly will annoy me for the rest of my life – it’s a great way to bounce back with pole position.
It’s lovely." Other drivers quickly offered their congratulations. George Russell, who will line up beside Gasly on the front row, recounted a light‑hearted moment before qualifying: the two were finishing a game of chess when Gasly beat Russell, prompting the British driver to joke, "I thought, ‘Well, I’ll beat you in qualifying,’ and here we are – you’re ahead of me again.
Huge congrats to him. Pierre and Alpine have been super‑fast even from Q1." Gasly’s only Formula 1 victory to date came at the 2020 Italian Grand Prix, a race that held deep emotional resonance as it followed the tragic death of his close friend Anthoine Hubert. Now, at the same venue, he finds himself with another unexpected opportunity to claim a second win. Alpine’s package in Monza benefits from the Mercedes power unit, delivering impressive straight‑line speed, while the chassis itself is low‑drag and aerodynamically efficient – a combination that suits the high‑speed nature of the Italian circuit.
Monza is known for its energy‑rich layout, where teams often employ varied power‑unit deployment strategies to manage tyre wear and fuel consumption. This can lead to the “yo‑yo” style of racing seen earlier in the season, where drivers swap positions throughout the race as they switch between full‑power and reduced‑power modes. For Gasly, this strategic flexibility could be crucial, potentially allowing him to keep Russell at bay or, if the British driver is ahead, to stay within striking distance. When asked by Sky Sports F1 whether he believes a win is within reach, Gasly responded confidently: "Why not?
I’ll do everything I can tonight, coming prepared for tomorrow. The good thing is I know what it feels like not having anyone in front of you on this track, so at least if there’s a place to start on pole, I’m glad it’s here." Championship leader Kimi Antonelli will start from the back of the grid due to multiple penalties, meaning a strong result for Russell could significantly narrow his 59‑point deficit to his Mercedes teammate. Russell added, "It’s going to be an interesting fight with Pierre as well.
They have a car with good straight‑line speed, which will be nice for them in the race. I don’t really know where the fight will be tomorrow, but I’m confident I have the pace to go for the win." The weekend schedule is packed: a Formula 3 Feature Race at 7:10 am, a Formula 2 Feature Race at 8:40 am, the Porsche Supercup at 10:40 am, followed by the build‑up to the Grand Prix at 12:30 pm.
The Italian Grand Prix itself will kick off at 2 pm, with the chequered flag expected around 4 pm, and post‑race analysis slated for 5 pm on Sky Sports Main Event. Fans can stream the coverage via NOW without a contract, canceling at any time. All eyes will be on Gasly as he seeks to turn a feeling of injustice into a moment of triumph on the historic Monza circuit.
Whether his pole translates into a victory remains to be seen, but the narrative of redemption, controversy, and raw determination makes this a race worth watching.